Happy NEW YEAR!!!

*grin* Okay, for everyone else, " Happy Halloween!! "

I've been absent. Noted. I've been busy celebrating with the grandkids and then woke up Sunday morning to a 24 hour tummy bug. I'm feeling much better today but still taking it easy. The sun has finally come out and it's warm today, but much too late to decorate for Alls Hallows. Instead, I have decorated the inside of the house and will focus today on celebrating and acknowledging those who have passed on and their influence on my life. It's also a custom to leave a lighted pumpkin at the doorsteps so that those who are my dearly departed can find their way home and also partake from the plate of food stuffs I will set outside for them. It's also a night for cleansing my house of any negative energy with my new broom that will, at the end of the night, find its home on my fireplace hearth for the new year. My enthusiasm is tempered by my recently bout with the tummy bug, but my energy is apparent.

My new meds are doing okay. I have my fingers crossed that Wednesday will show some positive results. I have been putting off ordering my bracelet from Medic Alert. Yeah, yeah, maybe someone can make something of that, but phhbbt. I'm ordering it today. I have a couple of blog entry in mind but I just have to find the time to post them. So, like, what else is new?

With All Hallows finally here, my thoughts are meandering into Thanksgiving and my menu. Daughter's birthday also falls on Thanksgiving this year so the menu has to reflect that as well. I have some new recipes for appetizers I want to try this year. I'll probably have an extra set of young hands (pookie's) for prep work the night before. I've offered to take the kids overnight again.

Mr. M is doing great. So, I am quite happy about that. I do need to check his blood pressure though. He has a doctor's appointment next month.

Daughter and FB are the same as ever. I simply refuse to be drawn into their growing up years. My blood pressure and ultimately my diabetes can't handle it. I draw the line when it comes to my own health. Lady only knows how much I've already compromised that.

Unfortunately, role-playing has not been in my radar. Something has to give while I deal with getting me on track. I've got all kinds of story parts floating through my head, I just can't seem to find the time to get them on electronic paper and get them out there. I have one series in mind for the DT yahoo group list and a part or two in mind for my partner's and my storyline. I really need to kick myself and get something to paper, if only to give him something to think about. We seem to draw inspiration from each other and right now, I don't seem to be able to make the time and he doesn't seem to have any inspiration. In regards to the later, given his last job, the time involved and his commitment to his family life, I am not surprised. I am also not worried. We've weathered things before, we'll weather this too. He just needs to go on vacation, relax, have fun and not think about anything but enjoying himself with his lovely wife and friends. Inspiration is bound to take root when one's relaxed, having enjoyed themselves.

For all those who have come before and now departed, may your journey back to visit reassure you that you are not forgotten, you are honored, respected, still loved and most of all, missed dearly.

Lady, grant those of us still here, a prosperous, healthy and safe New Year filled with love and laughter.

*sigh*

you know, trying to get this blood pressure thing right is a PITA. Saw the diabetes clinician today and that went rather well. She was impressed with my initiative and having achieved what I have so far. That pat on the back felt good.

Of course the other part is that I had to report to my doctor for a blood pressure check and my blood pressure was still high. So, I get handed this little white pill and had to wait 15 minutes and another check. Results: It was still way too high so I get handed another little white pill and a cup of water and had to wait another 15 minutes. By this time I'm feeling a little woozy. Good news: My blood pressure came down. It was still at the borderline point but at least coming down. So the game plan for now is that my blood pressure meds are doubled and I go back in on Thursday for another check.

My last blood sugar test was good too. It was, for the first time, in the 'normal' range. Now, if I can only keep it there. I got some pretty good info from the clinician about carbs so I now can do a better job. I can eat just about anything I want, I just have to pretty much cut back on the portion size. Actually, I'm finding that I can eat a lot of things, just smaller amounts. The whole idea of eating more things just floors me and I think my skin is tinting green because of all the green veggies.. *chuckles*

The additional pills I took today for my blood pressure made me sleepy so after running around town to buy the things I need to decorate the house for the grandbabies on Friday, I came home and succumbed to a nap and woke up late, far too late to get online, unfortunately. I'll be glad when the meds get worked out.

A Short Bit

Okay, so my body is trying to adjust to the new meds the doc has put me on. Lisnopril for my high blood pressure and yeah, that one is a big concern. It appears that I've had it for awhile now. However, the doc and I are treating it aggressively. I'm also now taking Metformin for my diabetes. Even with the diet watch and exercise,my blood sugar is still a bit higher than normal. Of course, my diet alters as I make adjustments. To round out the meds list, I am also now on aspirin and will probably pick up one more med next month for my cholesterol. It's just a bit high and will probably (has probably gone down) go down. For now, she wants me on it just to be safe. Since I started three meds this month, she didn't want to overload my body at once and we want to be able to pinpoint any adverse reactions if any come up. So far, so good. I've lost about 10 pounds in a little less than a month, so that's good too. I feel better than I have I the last couple of months, that's for sure. All this medication could and probably will end once I get where I need to be so that's something to look forward to. I hate putting this stuff into my body but the alternative is just not acceptable. I want to live longer than my mother and my grandmother did and it's in MY power to achieve it. Besides, there's also a certain man I want to be able to meet one of these days when the time is right... *grin* He's a good man and I consider him a good friend. We definitely deserve a good bear hug. Between him and Mr. M, I'm always on my toes. Heaven help me if I ever allow them to get together with me around. I'm not sure I would be able to tread water. LOL. Hm. I could get a rolling pin through the metal detectors, couldn't I? Skillets may be out of the question however.

This is going to be a busy week. I have things to do for the New Year, yes, Halloween marks the new year on the Wiccan calendar. I hope everyone bears with me as I settle back into routine and get caught up. I'm still not there yet.

Sprout got another job. At the moment it may be only two three days to start out. The employer has had bad luck with new employees. This time they did the right thing in giving Sprout a chance. He's a hard worker with a good job ethic. He came home yesterday with a sore back and sore feet but hey, he's employed again. He's also thinking about going to college. He's just not sure what he wants to study though. I have faith that he'll figure it out in time.

More later. I have things that need doing at the moment.

Whines And Whimpers

Went to the doctor's today. Spent 2 hours at the clinic. Got a shot, 2 new medications and another to come next month, became intimate with the metal duckbill platapus (inside family joke) and I don't feel good.

Ummmmm....

We're home. *thid*

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

Whelp, it's almost over, this cruise of mine. I have met some wonderful people, some whom I hope, will become long time friends, if not e-mail pals. The bags are packed, I'm ready to go..sort of. I'm ready to be in the bosom of my family again and probably, in about, oh say, two weeks, I probably will be whining about our next trip. LOL. So, it goes.

Mr. M is down in the front lounge playing Bingo. The Snowball Jackpot is well over $2900.00 and tonight someone HAS to win it. I missed it this afternoon by two, in 50 numbers. Alas. I do not have much luck in that department. The only reason I am not down there is that we're currently sailing through a storm and my poor little shroomy self can not handle all that motion at the front of the ship. It doesn't help that the ship is sailing at about 18.5 knots.

No news from the home front for the last two days so all must be well. In this case, no news is definitely good news.

I have wined and dined on some of the finest cuisine and so now it's time for me to get my tush back in the kitchen again.... and some of the Mexican recipes I have learned...

My next post will be from home. So... be well.. be safe.. and keep the home fires lit..

From the Bay of Cabo San Lucas

Today was our last port of call and I have to say that I am ready to come home. I didn't spend all of Mr. M's money *grin*. Between us, we drive a hard bargain with the local merchants. All in all, it's been a very nice vacation. There were some places I didn't like very much and some I did. Eh, much like anything else in our lives, yes? The humidity got its claws into me pretty good and one time, it dang near floored me, but I took the next day off and didn't go into our new port to get better. I'm fine. it's just that mushrooms don't care for humidity, we have a tendency to wilt. LOL.

I miss my puppies, my grandbabies and yes, even my children... oh yeah.. and the Troll too. *chuckle* I'm ready to go home and more than likely, after about, oh, two hours, I'll be ready to plan our next cruise.

We're at sea all of tomorrow and tonight is our last formal night in the diningroom. Ugh, Mr. M finally gets to eat snails. *shudder*. I've been walking the deck of the ship every day we're not in port and that's about 4 laps, equates to 1 mile. I didn't think I came onboard to lose weight. *grin*

Still working out some details on my DT storyline.. but hopefully by next weekend I'll have it ready to transfer to electronics and up on the webpage.

This trip has definitely been relaxing and I'm ready to face my world again.

I hope all of you out there have been well. It'll be good to get back into the groove. I've thought about you all while I've been away playing.

Until I get home again...
Be Well...
Be Safe...

Just Another Quick Note

Today is tendering services to a small fishing village, very quaint, very nice. We elected to stay aboard as we have a big night tonight and a long one. However, it's all fun and interesting as the people we meet and have met. I can tell the cruise is at least half over, I'm almost ready to come home...ALMOST.

My creativity has been flowing but little time to indulge although I am part way into a new part for my current story line. I think I'll spend the day indulging. In what you may ask? *grin* Wellllllll.... that's a whole new storyline....

For inquiring minds *chuckle* Mr. M spends a great deal of time....resting. I think he's still in shock from yesterday's spending. He'll survive. When he wants to space it, he's doing jigsaw puzzles with the ladies. He's not dumb.LOL.

For my writing partner: I am NOT learning TO cook *thwap* just learning to improve it... sheesh... some people get so cheeky sometimes... I'll have to work on that when I get home.

YO HO

Hello and welcome from aboard the friendly deck of the MS. Ryndam. Just a quick note to let everyone know we got here safely and are currently sailing on our way to our first destination which will be at 8am on Monday. The seas have been a bit rough since leaving San Diego but they make little pills for people like me whose stomach and brain can't seem to get it together. Wish they'd make one for bouncing off walls like a ping pong ball. *grin*

Off to cooking class!

And So It Goes

So, I went to my appointment this morning. It went well. We even had to perform one of the tests on ourselves. I was really surprised that I didn't even feel the lancelet prick my finger. I think I was even shocked when I saw the blood droplet. I also have another appointment when I get back with the diabetes caseworker. She's going to go over my eating habits and food choices.

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Well, the car is all packed, finally. I still don't understand why my suitcase is so heavy. I even took clothes out. If I forgot anything, damned if I know what it is. We're out of here no later than 7:00am. That should get us into Ventura around 3pm, give or take an hour since we have to stop and eat. Blame it on the diabetes. Gotta eat. We don't have to leave Ventura until after noon and it's not that far to San Diego so that works out well. We'll check out Saturday morning so we can turn in the car to the airport and get a ride over to the port. We can get aboard around 11:00 am now, so that's cool. The whole thing is nice and easy, no rush, no stress, for either of us.

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Sprout and I were watching some tv this afternoon and it dawned on me that we were watching a movie that involved a cruise ship being taken hostage and blown up. I looked at Sprout and said, " Gee, thanks kid. Like, I really need to be watching this type of movie. Are you nuts?" He just grinned at me, came over to the couch and squished his big body into mine and smooched my cheek with his damn prickly cheeks and chin. That young man hates to shave and he knows it drives me nuts. *sigh* It was a good movie though.

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Daughter is sick. Topper is going back to school tomorrow. Apparently he's recovered so much he's driving his mom up the wall. I kept my distance and didn't smooch on the kiddos. Hey, I want to enjoy my trip. He actually dialled my phone number today all by himself and I was suprised to hear him on the other side when I answered. Cool beans. That boy is going to run circles around his parents. *snicker* Oh and Pookie wants to know why she can't have a cat and a gerbil. That girl and I need to talk when I get back.

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Time for this shroom to go get some sleep. I'm up at 6 am. Hold good thoughts for me. I'll catch you all later.

Four Days and Counting

Technically it's four days until we board ship, but we're actually running away from home Thursday. I've got an early morning appointment to pick up my glucose monitor tomorrow morning, got to pick up the rental car, grab the cash, visit the grandbabies.. so it's truly a full day tomorrow.

Speaking of grandbabies, I got a call from Daughter this morning, quite upset with Pookie. Pookie did not get out of bed, drug her feet getting ready for school this morning and just all around had a grumpy and disrespectful attitude with Mom and Dad. The collimation of the argument was Pookie saying she was going to run away to my house and if I wasn't going to be home, she'd run away to Uncle Sprout. First of all,Pookie was so upset that she couldn't tell me why she had such a problem this morning. When I finally got her calm down it basically came down to that she couldn't get to sleep last night until late (she couldn't get comfortable) and a couple of other things, like achieving well in class but girls not wanting to her friends because she was excelling ahead of them. So, we talked for a bit, Pookie and I. First, I had to remind her that she needs to be respectful of Mommy and Daddy, answer them when they talk to her, quit giving them lip and back talk. If they say do something, do it. Second, she is not allowed to run away here. If she tried to run off someone bad could find her and take her away from us and even hurt her. Not good. Another thing, Uncle Sprout and Grandma will always take her home again. The only time I would allow her to stay even for a bit is so everyone involved can calm down, but I made it clear that Pookie is going to have to face the music. Those are her parents and what they say, goes.

Like I expressed to Daughter, the very fact that Pookie didn't get out of bed should have told her something because Pookie ALWAYS gets to of bed and gets ready. To Daughter's credit, she was dealing with a very sick little Topper who was throwing up at the time. Since Topper is sick, it's a good bet that Pookie is going to be sick too. Her not being able to get comfortable last night could translate into her body aching all over. Pookie is nine, she's headed into those tweenies. Heaven help us all. In any case, Pookie lost all her electronics from her room for her sass and disrespect. She also lost a few of her smaller figure of toys that she normally plays with. I suggested that maybe she get those toys in a couple of days since there was an underlying cause, but the other big things, she continues not to have for the rest of the week.

Pookie is getting older and growing up, she can be stubborn, but she needs to learn not to be disrespectful and to learn that there are times to argue with respect and when she just needs to do as she is told because it's for her benefit. On the other hand, Daughter and FB need to learn to pick their fights now. There are some things that should slide or Pookie is totally going to tune them out instead of listening when she really needs to. That lesson is hard one to learn as a parent, what battles to pick and what to let slide. It took me a long time to learn it.

Monitoring my blood pressure is pretty much resigning me to the fact that I am going to need blood pressure medication, if only for awhile. I am also coming to terms that I may be on the stuff for the rest of my life. That much still remains to be seen. But my blood pressure is still pretty high. We'll see how it progresses through this cruise. What matters is catching it and knowing what I am dealing with and taking control of it myself as much as I am able.

A friend sent me this site.it sure does make my pumpkin carving look infantile. Interesting carvings though. That reminds me I need to purchase a new broom for the new year. Yes, one of those 'witchy' looking brooms you find with the Halloween decorations work. We sweep out the house that has been filled with old negative feelings and carrying-ons with the new broom,then placing it on hearth for the rest of the year, using it as needed. The one gets burned the first time I have a fire in the fireplace. I purchased a new Hallows hat for this year *preen*. It's awesome. I saw a little girl walking in the mall with it on this past weekend and I just had to have one. I'll try and get a pic of me in it when I get back.

Ahhh, my grandbabies are here for a brief visit. Daughter brought me some sugar free salt water taffy. I didn't have the heart to tell her I just don't eat much candy at all, sugar free or not, but her heart is in the right place.

So, I'm signing out of here. I have things to do. Be good to yourselves and make a good day.

Saturday In The Grove

You know... something seems to be working. I feel better, my attitude and emotional state seems to be on the upswing. I have more energy. I feel like doing more. Gee, there might be something to this getting healthy thing. *grin*

Okay, today I get Mr. M to get out the suitcases we need. A trip to Barnes and Nobles for his books and I'm going to wander among the lore and legend books for something with a Scottish flair to take with me for some inspiration in regards to DT's lower catacombs otherwise known as the dungeons. Maybe we should rename them the Catacombs instead of the dungeons... it's a thought. Laundry and housework so this place is in somewhat decent shape when I leave. Grocery shopping, the natives are getting restless. *snort* What the heck are they going to do when I leave,hm? Yeah yeah, I'm leaving the freezer pretty much full and leaving some cash even though Troll has money and Sprout is hoarding what is left of his. Time for me to start packing up stuff so I am not running around here like a chicken with its head cut off Wednesday. The last cruise we took I forgot so much stuff, but to my credit, I made due and it was okay.

Emotionally wise, the Zoo has calmed down. Everyone has settled down. My blood pressure is even coming down. *grin* Sprout went to a job interview today. It looks like he may be called back for a group interview. We'll see. Mr. M is working on the dishwasher and I might even get the chance to go outside today.

~~~~P.F.~~~~~~~~~~

If you're reading this, don't run away. As writers, we write things that others feel strongly enough about to respond to. You don't have to deal with the fall out. Ignore it, if you must, so you can maintain your perspective. The thing is, once we put something to paper, for the world to see, somewhere, someone, is going to respond. It's just part of what makes the world go around. If you start running now, you'll always be running. Everyone has a right to their thoughts, their feelings, same or counterpoint. Everyone has a right to make those thoughts and feelings known... that's part of our nation's legacy. We don't have to like them, we can disagree with them, we can voice them or we can commiserate with them... the bottom line? We make people think and we make people feel and sometimes, that comes with a cost to ourselves. Only each of us can determine if it's worth it. It's also a two way street, we make them think and in return they can make us think and sometimes, it ain't pretty.